The Power of Pantyhose For Men

Updated on October 16, 2008

Many men are attracted to women's pantyhose, an item of women's lingerie not typically known by women for its glamor, (at least in my associations anyway, which are to do with school uniforms, dinner ladies, and okay, maybe the occasional pretty secretary). The grass is always greener on the other side though isn't it? Especially when the other side is permitted to express themselves with sheer and svelte fabrics, pretty colors, and displays of general emotion with are forbidden for a man.

So then, it is little wonder that many men have stories of sneaking into their mother's drawers when young and making off with pantyhose to try them on, enjoying the sheer sheathing of the fabric around their legs, and also the feeling that they are breaking one of the many senseless taboos which society imposes on our once open minds.

As an adult one would be well advised to purchase one's own pantyhose, however it can be difficult to know where to start.

The most important element of choosing a pair of pantyhose that fit properly is getting the right length. Pantyhose generally have a reasonable amount of widthwise stretch, but if they are too short, then they end up pulling extra sheer over the knees and the gusset often ends up hanging lose around the thighs, making for a rather unpleasant sensation throughout the day.

Men can get away with wearing pantyhose under business attire, as they leave no tell tale lines, and if one is somehow discovered, one can always claim that they are support hose for varicose veins. It's a lie with only a tenuous connection to reality, then again who really has the right to question what one wears underneath their clothes. Is it not enough that men and women dully drag on business attire five days out of seven? Must we also now defend our underwear choices as well? I think not!

Most pantyhose have a chart on the back of the packet which outlines height and weight recommendations. These work for men as well as women, and are the best guide you can get, as they are brand and model specific. Though it is understandable for a man to be concerned about being 'spotted' buying pantyhose, the reality of the situation is that 99% of people who see you will assume you are purchasing them for a wife or girlfriend and the other 1% are probably lurking with the intent to do exactly what you're doing!

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Comments 10 comments

I am guilty of the pleasure of wearing pantyhose under my work atire. I also wear panties and as you said, "who really has the right to question what one wears underneath their clothes."

There are now many online stores to sell pantyhose to men regardless of the reason. Society and the opinion of many ill informed people still make wearing a taboo. Damn them all. But damn my legs feel GREAT.

outlawbybirth 7 years ago from Lycraville, Florida

Excellent article and I am a women who wears pantyhose and stilettos daily from the sheer enjoyment of it. My mission is to share the wonderful world of pantyhose with ladies who are open minded to wanting to experiment with pantyhose fashion. Although it is only a matter of time before men will be accepted in hosiery also.

"one can always claim that they are support hose for varicose veins. It's a lie with only a tenuous connection to reality"

Do you have references from medical studies that support that claim. The support ones sure help mine!

Hope Alexander 7 years ago Author

Hi Keith,

I meant that saying wearing normal pantyhose would support varicose veins is a lie, support stockings designed for the purpose totally work! (My dad's had varicose veins for years and has support stockings, but they don't look anything like lingerie or hosiery.)

KeithSM 7 years ago

Hi Hope

I probably wasn't clear enough with what I wrote. I've read a lot of anecdotes on the net from people saying that support pantyhose in the 10hg category have helped ease leg discomfort a lot of men with vein issues have. I guess I'd have to ask the question are all these men wrong? If they are then the whole concept of support pantyhose must be a scam!

BTW Your open mindedness on these issues on men and "womens clothing" are well thought out, keep it coming...

Hope Alexander 7 years ago Author

Okay, again, I was not referring to support pantyhose. Nowhere do I say 'support pantyhose is a lie.'

I'm not talking about support pantyhose, this article wasn't about support pantyhose.

You've picked on one little joke I made and blown it into an issue that was never there.

Pantyhose69 7 years ago

I love to wear pantyhose.Everyday!!!

Niki46 6 years ago from Lycraville, CA

Yes! I can't imagine life without pantyhose. Would love to see more men embrace them too.

Kymcd 6 years ago

I have to wear support stockings I used to hate it but you get use to it I love wearing pantyhose